Chapter 172: Chapter 170: Forced to Become a Completely Different Self (1 update)
Translator: 549690339
Xin Zaozao’s head was spinning.
She kept her eyes shut.
At that moment, all she felt was a strong body cradling her tightly in his arms.
She didn’t resist.
Just like that, she was picked up, in a princess carry, something she had never experienced before.
Mu Cidian placed Xin Zaozao on the bed.
Her face was flushed, probably due to the alcohol, as she kept her eyes closed.
Mu Cidian watched her, just watched her.
And then.
He pulled the blanket from the bed, covered her with it, and turned to leave.
His hand was suddenly grabbed.
Mu Cidian felt a pang in his heart.
It was… a bit of uncontrollable accelerated heartbeat.
His throat clenched, suppressed.
“Stay with me,” Xin Zaozao said.
Her voice, so soft and gentle.
He couldn’t remember the last time Xin Zaozao was so tender to him.
She hated him so much.
He sat back down beside her bed.
Xin Zaozao’s hand never let go of his, her warmth pervading his palm.
Xin Zaozao seemed uncomfortable in her sleep, her body twisting and kicking the blanket away.
Mu Cidian could only watch as she slept without cover.
Helpless, he used his other hand to cover her back with the blanket.
As soon as he covered her, Xin Zaozao kicked it off.
Cover, kick off.
It seemed endless.
“Zaozao,” Mu Cidian whispered in her ear, “be good.”
Xin Zaozao opened her eyes in a daze.
At that moment, she locked eyes with Mu Cidian, who was close to her.
Eye to eye.
Xin Zaozao’s gaze was hazy, staring at the man in front of her, seemingly unable to recognize him.
If she did recognize him, she probably wouldn’t be this calm.
Mu Cidian’s lips moved slightly.
The night was deep and gentle.
“Nie Feng… thank you. Thank you for staying with me.”
The whole world seemed to become suddenly quiet.
It seemed as if frost had fallen.
Mu Cidian left Xin Zaozao’s room, slamming the door shut.
As Xin Zaozao lay there on the bed, her gaze followed the direction of the door.
A cold smile graced her lips.
The next day.
Xin Zaozao rubbed her aching head and got up from bed.
Alcohol, really isn’t a good thing.
After showering, she still felt queasy.
She vomited several times, over and over again.
She walked to her makeup table, applied an especially meticulous makeup to cover her haggard face.
Then, she picked out a white shirt with a collar, a white pencil skirt, black high heels, grabbed a formal handbag, and left.
Mu Cidian greeted her at the door.
But Wu Qianyuan was nowhere to be seen.
She glanced at him and walked ahead.
Mu Cidian watched her, watched her back, and followed slowly.
Xin Zaozao went to the garage to get her car.
Mu Cidian followed suit.
Mu Cidian’s car was blocking her way, so she sat in the sedan, waiting.
She waited a long time, but Mu Cidian showed no signs of moving.
Xin Zaozao unbuckled her seatbelt, got out of the car, walked straight up to Mu Cidian, and knocked on his car window.
Mu Cidian rolled down the window, but his gaze didn’t meet hers.
“Are you leaving or not?” Xin Zaozao asked.
Her tone was flat, indifferent.
Mu Cidian didn’t answer.
“If you’re not leaving, could you please make way for me?” Xin Zaozao was direct.
Mu Cidian remained unmoved.
Xin Zaozao’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, “Mu Cidian, what exactly are you trying to do!”
“Did you forget everything about last night?” Mu Cidian asked.
“What?” Xin Zaozao countered.
Mu Cidian seemed to scoff.
He said, “I’m waiting for Qianyuan.”
‘You can wait for her after you let me go.”
She laughed sarcastically, “What are you trying to flaunt?”
At that moment, Mu Cidian finally turned and met Xin Zaozao’s gaze.
Xin Zaozao had a sarcastic expression on her face, “As far as I’m concerned, it’S irrelevant.”
Mu Cidian didn’t say anything more.
He suddenly stepped on the gas and sped past Xin Zaozao.
The speed was high.
At that moment, Xin Zaozao was somewhat frightened, she was afraid that Mu Cidian would turn around and hit her.
She took a deep breath, returned to her car.
One should never show any emotions when dealing with an enemy.
Otherwise, it’s a matter of life and death.
Xin Zaozao drove straight to the company and walked into her office. Without a moment’s delay, she picked up the phone and dialed, “Secretary Yan, could you come here for a moment?”
Yan Quan quickly appeared in Xin Zaozao’s office.
Xin Zaozao pulled out the contract from the previous day that required her signature, “Could you help me check if there is anything wrong with this contract?”
Yan Quan took it and examined it in detail.
After ten minutes.
Yan Quan said, “This contract is vague about its funds, and it includes many project costs that our group has never incurred before. Who gave it to you?”
“The Sales Department’s General Manager, Wu Cheng.” Xin Zaozao replied.
“Wu Cheng? He gave you this contract for you to sign?”
‘Yes.
“It seems that he wants to take advantage of the current instability and extort some money.” Yan Quan said, “Should we call the police?”
“No.” Xin Zaozao shook her head, “I heard that Wu Cheng is the nephew of board member Zheng Feng?”
‘Yes.
“Could you help me invite him to dinner tonight?”
“What does the chairman intend to do?” Yan Quan raised his eyebrows.
“The right way is blocked.” Xin Zaozao said.
Ever since she joined the group, she has been trying hard to please the board members and to do everything well. However, apparently, no one respects her or pays her any mind, she is unlikely to gain anyone’s trust, and nobody gives her a chance to prove herself. Therefore… she has to bribe people in her own way.
It seemed Yan Quan understood Xin Zaozao’s intentions.
He was actually quite surprised. After all, he had never thought about how to help her stabilize the situation and truly secure her position as the chairman of the Xin Group.
It seemed that Xin Zaozao was smarter than he thought, much smarter.
When she knew that one way was blocked, she knew she had many other options.
Ultimately, all roads lead to Rome.
“Alright, I’ll arrange a meeting with Zheng Feng right away.” Yan Quan immediately agreed.
“Let me know once you’ve arranged the time and place.”
“I need to go out for a bit now.” Xin Zaozao stood up from her office chair. “You just came and now you need to leave? Is there an emergency?”
“There is a bit of an emergency.” Xin Zaozao said, “It should take about an hour.”
“Do you need me to drive you?
“No need, if someone comes looking for me, please handle it for me. Importantly, make sure you arrange the meeting with Zheng Feng tonight.”
“Fine.”
Xin Zaozao picked up her bag and left the office.
She drove attentively to the largest fashion renovation company in Jin City, MRW.
She walked into the grand lobby.
She went straight to the reception desk, “Hello, I am looking for your chairman, Wu Qiang.”
“May I ask your name, miss?” “You can skip the formalities, I am Xin Zaozao.”
“Do you have an appointment, miss?”
“It’s urgent.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Xin, but our chairman is very busy, you can’t just drop by without an appointment.”
“I am Xin Zaozao, the chairman of Xin Group. It’S urgent.” Xin Zaozao spoke slowly, forcefully, her tone somewhat intimidating.
With such a tone, she didn’t even know how many times she practiced in private.
Fortunately, the outcome was not too bad.
The receptionist looked Xin Zaozao up and down, momentarily stunned by her strong demeanor. Reluctantly, the receptionist caved, “Ms. Xin, please wait a moment, I will notify him.”
“Okay.”
It seemed that the receptionist had made a call with someone on the inside. After a short wait, roughly ten minutes later, the receptionist respectfully said to Xin Zaozao, “Miss Xin, the chairman invites you up to the 21st floor.”
“Thank you.”
Xin Zaozao left her with that brief remark and without further ado, walked straight towards the elevator.
The receptionist watched Xin Zaozao’s retreating figure.
Isn’t the chairman of Xin Group a young girl who’s wet behind the ears?
No matter how she looked at it, she didn’t seem like a person without experience in the world.
At that moment, Xin Zaozao, who just stepped into the elevator, started to lose her composure.
She looked at her reflection in the elevator mirror and saw her clearly nervous face and her body slightly trembling.
She took a deep breath, and then another.
The elevator arrived.
She composed herself and walked towards the luxurious chairman’s office.
She knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Wu Qiang’s voice came from inside.
Xin Zaozao pushed the door open.
Wu Qiang looked at Xin Zaozao, looking a bit surprised, but his business acumen prevailed, and he immediately greeted her, “Zaozao, why did you suddenly come to see uncle?” Wu Qiang, Wu Qianyuan’s father.
Given this relationship, it was perfectly natural for Wu Qiang to call himself an uncle.
Xin Zaozao also gave a slight smile at this moment, she walked up to Wu Qiang and said, “Uncle Wu, I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all.” Wu Qiang graciously said, “Please, have a seat.”
Xin Zaozao sat down across from Wu Qiang.
Wu Qiang said, “What brings you here, Zaozao? Is there something you need?”
‘Yes.” Xin Zaozao nodded, “I won’t take up too much of your precious time, Uncle Wu, I’ll get straight to the point.”
“Go ahead.”
“I have a video here, could you take a look?” Xin Zaozao handed her phone to Wu Qiang.
Wu Qiang accepted it.
He watched for less than ten seconds, his face immediately darkened.
His change of color was quite thorough.
Xin Zaozao just watched as his mood shifted.
She watched his rage that he couldn’t hide.
As Wu Qiang, seeing this video would naturally make him angry.
The video was of her and Mu Cidian, being very intimate the night before.
Yes.
She said it was all premeditated.
From the moment when Wu Cheng tried to cheat her, she suddenly had an epiphany, she realized she had been going down a dead-end road from the very beginning, she needed to change her approach. So last night, when she had a chance to be alone with Mu Cidian, she deliberately tried to seduce him.
Just in time, her room had a security camera installed.
Initially, it was put there because she shared a room with Nie Feng and she wanted to avoid the scandal of a man and woman in a private room.
Never did she expect it to come in handy!
Of course, nothing really happened last night.
Whenever Mu Cidian tried to make a move on her, she deliberately uttered words that made him stop.
After all.
She wouldn’t be so foolish as to get involved with Mu Cidian again.
It disgusts her, greatly.
Even though nothing happened last night, she had scrubbed her own skin raw.
She did not want to keep any trace of Mu Cidian.
“What do you mean by showing me this?!” Wu Qiang angrily asked.
He threw his phone in front of Xin Zaozao.
Xin Zaozao said, “Mr. Wu, before your daughter marries Mu Cidian, I would advise you to call off the wedding.”
Wu Qiang looked gravely upset.
“Mu Cidian has been doing things to me that the world considers intolerable since I was 18, and I was too scared to tell my father. Now, he has your daughter but still makes moves on me, which makes it clear that he is not a good man. It’s a humiliation for your daughter to marry him.”
“Why are you suddenly so kind to tell me this?” Every successful person in the marketplace is always ready for a trick.
Xin Zaozao answered, “Of course, I don’t want Mu Cidian to have everything his own way. Uncle Wu, you must know that I’m currently with Xin Group, and while I hold the majority of the shares, my power has been stripped away by Mu Cidian. He overrules everything in Xin Group, having the final say.”
“So you want to sow discord?”
“All I want to do is to make you see Mu Cidian for what he truly is. Do you feel obligated to support him?” asked Xin Zaozao.
Faced with the actual situation, no parent would let their daughter marry such a man.
Unless they’ve gone mad.
According to what she knew, Wu Qiang cherishes Wu Qianyuan, his only child so dearly, he would never let her suffer in the slightest.
What Mu Cidian has done is unforgivable in Wu Qiang’s eyes, absolutely intolerable.
“Mr. Wu, I know you love your daughter very much. Hence, I have not shown this video directly to her but have approached you instead, so as not to hurt her. I have interacted with your daughter, and she really likes Mu Cidian. Would you still want her to be deceived by him?”
“State your purpose.” Wu Qiang was apparently trying to cut short the roundabout conversation with Xin Zaozao.
“Mr. Wu owns a 4-3% stake in Xin Group and serves as a member of our board of directors. However, as far as I know, you seldom attend most of the board meetings and have delegated your powers to Mu Cidian. I hope, Mr. Wu, that you can reclaim your rights.”
Wu Qiang looked sternly at her.
“To put it simply, I am now in a power struggle with Mu Cidian, and I need Mr. Wu’S support. I vow, that once I take over Xin Group, we will hand over all renovation projects for the next five years to MRW, your construction company, provided you are willing to accept.” The room fell silent.
Wu Qiang seemed to be pondering, and slowly asked, “Why should I help you?”
“If you don’t help me, will you help Mu Cidian? Watch your daughter being hurt by him, then help him? In the end, you may lose both your wife and your army.” Xin Zaozao paused, and then said, “Isn’t it clear now what Mu Cidian’s motive for marrying your daughter really is?”
Wu Qiang was scrutinizing Xin Zaozao.
“Uncle Wu, you can think it over. On Thursday, I will hold a board meeting where you can give me your answer.” Xin Zaozao stood up, “I won’t waste your valuable time, I will go first.” Wu Qiang just watched Xin Zaozao.
As she was about to step out of his office, he said, “Xin Zaozao, you’ve grown a lot.”
In such a short time.
The growth was more than just a little.
Xin Zaozao turned around, “People are forced to grow up.”
And with that, she left.
Heading for the elevator.
And then… took a deep breath.
She was afraid that if she stayed a few seconds longer, she might reveal her true self.
All her current behavior is a change she forced upon herself.
Forcing herself to become someone completely unrecognizable.
Commercial Management.
Song Zhizhi held a meeting.
Regular meeting on the Sea Paradise Project of the planning department.
Song Zhizhi reported the progress of the project to Zhan Song.
Zhan Song listened and nodded, seeming very pleased.
After the work report.
Only after Zhan Song lavishly praised Song Zhizhi did he turn to the others and say, “Is there anything to add?”
No one responded.
Zhan Song turned to Yi Wenhan, “Yi Wenhan, you’ve also been in charge of this project before, do you have any opinions or suggestions?”
Inside, Yi Wenhan was fuming.
He had always been suppressing this matter, which was suddenly brought up.
He made himself appear relaxed, even smiling a little. He said, “Team Leader Song is performing well, I have no objections regarding the project. However, there is something I’m curious about. May I ask you about it without making you uncomfortable?”
“Work matters are never influenced by personal feelings. Our responsibility is to do our best,” replied Song Zhizhi.
He said, “It’S known to everyone that Team Leader Song is about to get married?”
“Are you suggesting that my marriage will affect my responsibility for the project?”
“Of course not, but I heard that Ji Baijian of the Jihong Consortium is your fiancé, and currently this project is also on the bidding list. I wonder if this would, in any way, affect Team Leader Song?”
“So Yi Wenhan, are you worried I might act unfairly?”
“Not exactly, but I have some doubts, ” Yi Wenhan replied indifferently. The people in the meeting room agreed with his point to some extent.
Zhan Song seemed thoughtful at that moment.
The progress of the project had been rapid, and no one had given this idea a thought.
Now that Yi Wenhan mentioned it, it seemed like it could be an issue.
At that moment, Chu Qin, sitting below, turned his head to look at Yi Wenhan, who was also looking at her.
Chu Qin quickly averted her gaze.
Yet, a fleeting wicked smile appeared in the corner of Yi Wenhan’s mouth.
The atmosphere was slightly tense.
Yi Wenhan felt like he had the upper hand.
At that moment, how could Song Zhizhi prove her absolute innocence?
Even if she had no such intentions, it would be hard for her to defend herself in front of so many people.
This issue could be made into a big deal or a small one. If it ever escalates, it will be tough for Song Zhizhi to maintain her position as the project manager.
Yi Wenhan even regretted not thinking of this earlier, how could he have not thought it at the time when Song Zhizhi was trying to snatch his position as project manager?!
Of course, he would never admit that he is always a step behind Song Zhizhi in everything.
“Let’s discuss this matter later. Only work-related matters are allowed to be discussed in these meetings,” said Zhan Song, seeing that Song Zhizhi had not spoken, he hastily mediated.
But this was indeed a matter out of his control.
Yi Wenhan was extremely respectful and promptly agreed, “Yes.”
“If there’s no other business…”
Song Zhizhi suddenly spoke, turning to Yi Wenhan, she asked him, “We applied to Commercial Management together.”
Yi Wenhan was watching her.
“At that time, I remember someone said we got in through the back door.” Yi Wenhan’s expression started to sour.
Song Zhizhi continued, “Do you remember what happened to that person?”
Yi Wenhan did not expect Song Zhizhi to latch on to this point.
Of course, he knew. Because that person spread rumors and didn’t trust Commercial Management, they were permanently blacklisted by Commercial Management.
“If you don’t remember, that’s fine, but I think you should remember this. Since Commercial
Management recruited us, they absolutely trust us. Your doubt is an insult to Commercial
Management. After all, everyone knew about my marital engagement when I applied to Commercial Management, and the fact that they still hired me speaks volumes. Now, Yi Wenhan, you’re making Commercial Management slap itself in the face!” Song Zhizhi stated with determination.
Yi Wenhan’s face changed instantly.
Song Zhizhi forcefully continued, “When I joined Commercial Management, I only wanted to strive for success! I, Song Zhizhi, can swear in front of anyone that as long as I am in Commercial
Management, I will take full responsibility and will not show favoritism!”
The whole meeting was stunned by Song Zhizhi’s domineering statement.
Yi Wenhan looked really displeased.
Where did Song Zhizhi get such clever wit to respond wisely no matter what happened?
Could he really not take down Song Zhizhi?!!
The meeting room, stunned for few seconds, Zhan Song quickly stepped in and said, “Upon joining Commercial Management, a handbook is given to everyone, emphasizing fairness and justice. These principles are etched in our hearts. Song Zhizhi Imows this as well. So we don’t have to overthink about certain matters. The meeting has already exceeded its time, everyone may leave now.” Then, everyone started to leave one by one.
Song Zhizhi also followed the crowd, her thoughts deep while she returned to her desk.
Although she was so decisive at the meeting, the impact would still be there once the news spreads.
She sat at her desk, spinning in her office chair.
She absolutely could not let Yi Wenhan win like this.
If she lost her place now, everything she had done was just paving the way for Yi Wenhan.
Commercial Management, not just Commercial Management, but the business world in general, is result oriented.
Song Zhizhi bit her lip. She opened her WeChat and sent Ji Dabai a message.
Zhizhi for Zhizhi: I’ve encountered a difficult problem.
Ji Dabai: Tell me.
Song Zhizhi then told him about Yi Wenhan’s deliberate instigation at the meeting today.
Ji Dabai: I see.
Zhizhi for Zhizhi: Now, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be in charge of this project.
Ji Dabai: I can guarantee.
With that, he logged offWeChat.
Song Zhizhi stared at Ji Baijian’s profile picture, lost in thought.
What was Ji Baijian going to do?
Even though he wasn’t very warm in his speech, sometimes only a few words were needed to give her a full sense of security.
She calmed herself down and continued to work on the project.
Later that afternoon,
Song Zhizhi suddenly received a call from her father.
“Dad.”
“Come to my office.”
Song Zhizhi agreed.
She didn’t have a good feeling about it.
She took the elevator to her father’s office.
Ever since she joined Commercial Management, she had never really been to his office. The office was indeed spacious, grand and magnificent.
When she arrived, it seemed like there was someone else in the office waiting for her.
CEO Yue Dong.
“Chief, CEO Yue.” Song Zhizhi greeted politely.
In formal circumstances, it was most appropriate to address others with their official titles.
Song Shan said, “Sit.”
Song Zhizhi sat next to Yue Dong, across from Song Shan.
Yue Dong started the conversation, “We’ve all seen how Song Zhizhi has performed in Commercial Management recentlYL I truly admire your ability, which is unparalleled in the thousand-year history of Commercial Management. I’m even looking forward to your offshore project. However…”
However!
Song Zhizhi stared at Yue Dong.
“Just now, Zhan Song reported to me about your meeting today, mentioning your engagement to Ji Baijian of the Consortium Group. Personally, I fully trust that you would never go against Commercial Management. But in the end, we cannot prove anything with mere words. You have a long way to go in Commercial Management, and it’s not worth jeopardizing your future reputation over this petty matter. So, after discussing it with your father, we have decided to temporarily revoke your position as the project leader.”
Song Zhizhi bit her lip.
She knew something would happen.
With such formality, it seemed that Yue Dong had thoroughly thought it through. He certainly discussed it with Song Shan, and they made the decision together.
“I’ve considered this matter. Yue, the CEO, asked for my opinion as well, and I believe this is the best way to handle it,” added Song Shan.
Song Zhizhi remained silent.
She also recognized this as a foregone conclusion.
She had to admit, she was very disappointed.
Very disappointed.
And she found it hard to accept that Yi Wenhan was getting the upper hand so easily.
She asked, “Then who will be the project leader?”
“We will still choose from the newcomers, and the extremely capable Yi Wenhan is highly likely. He has been in charge of this project previously. Even if he doesn’t surpass you, he is still competent,” answered Yue Dong.
She knew this would be the outcome.
She couldn’t refute it either.
How could she ask Yue Dong not to choose Yi Wenhan?
Just recently at the meeting, she had spoken about keeping personal feelings aside. If she did this now, she would be causing herself embarrassment.
The room was quiet for a moment.
Song Shan comforted, “I know you feel wronged about this. But life is a long journey, and you still have plenty of room for growth.”
Song Zhizhi laughed.
At this moment, she could only accept the decision.
She said, “Yes.”
Even though, she was falling apart inside.
Yue Dong seemed to want to comfort her, but just then, his phone suddenly rang. The expression on his face while he was on the phone was rather serious.
The moment he hung up the phone, he suddenly told Song Shan and Song Zhizhi, “As for the project leader, there’s no need to change!” What?!
Song Zhizhi looked at Yue Dong.
What happened on the phone?!
